DIY classes and resources

Community education classes can help you build up your do-it-yourself skills – or your confidence if you think your knowledge or research needs some refreshing.

Summer is the off-season for most classes, but the fall schedules are usually posted in August. Here are some of the community education programs in the southeast Michigan / northwest Ohio region, and the topics they’ve offered in recent months:

Monroe County Community College’s Lifelong Learning program
On the web: monroeccc.edu
Phone: (734) 242-7300.
Recent topics: How to design and install a rain garden, how to advertise on a small budget, culinary hands-on series, “Artsy Adornment” jewelry classes.

Monroe Community Education (Monroe Public Schools)
On the web: www.monroe.k12.mi.us
Phone: (734) 265-3120
Recent topics: Beginning cake decorating, homemade herbal remedies, decorative window painting, bee keeping, growing edible perennials.

Bedford Community Education
On the web: bedford.k12.mi.us
Phone: (734) 850-6000
Recent topics: Stained glass butterfly garden ornament, Peachtree Accounting software, computers for seniors.

Monroe County Library System
On the web: monroe.lib.mi.us
Phone: (734) 241-5277
Recent topics: Computer basics, how to navigate the social security web site, how to “live green,” investing fundamentals.
Other resources: Automotive DIY-ers have access to Chilton’s Car Repair manuals and Mitchell’s On Demand (Mitchell’s is at the Ellis and Bedford branches). A variety of small business resources are available at the branches. There is also an on-line access to Learn-a-Test to help with preparations for Civil Service and other exams.

Ann Arbor Community Education and Recreation
On the web: www.aareced.com
Phone: (734) 994-2300
Recent topics: Entertain guests on a budget, “Go green: cash from trash,” a woman’s guide to investing.

Craft courses at Jo-Ann Fabric stores in Taylor and Ypsilanti
On the web: joann.com
Phone: Ypsilanti store at (734) 975-0310, Taylor store at (734) 287-9799.
Recent topics: Beginner lessons in basic sewing, home decor sewing, floral design, cake decorating.

Workshops at Home Depot stores
On the web: homedepot.com
Phone: (419) 476-4573 for the Home Depot store at 1035 W. Alexis Rd., Toledo.
Recent topics: Deck installation and repair, interior paint, installing laminate flooring, repairing screens.

Workshops at IKEA
On the web: ikea.com
Phone: (734) 981-6300 for the store at 41640 Ford Rd., Canton, Mich.
Recent topics: Planning out your kitchen.

And here are the DIY archives on Monroe on a Budget.

Last updated July 10, 2009.